Oral Screening

Understanding Oral Cancer

Oral cancer can affect many parts of your mouth — including your lips, jaw bone, tongue, cheeks, throat, and even your sinuses. It’s a serious condition that, unfortunately, takes the life of one person every hour in the U.S.

When caught early, oral cancer is highly treatable, but many cases aren’t found until later stages. That’s why regular dental visits and screenings are so important — early detection truly can save lives.

Signs and Symptoms to Watch For

As you go about your daily brushing and flossing routine, keep an eye out for anything that seems unusual. Common signs of oral cancer can include:

• A lump or bump in your mouth or cheeks

• Sores on your lips or in your mouth that don’t heal

• White or red patches inside your mouth

• Trouble swallowing or chewing

• Pain in your mouth or ear

• Loose teeth

If you notice any of these symptoms lasting more than two weeks, don’t wait — schedule a dental or medical checkup.

What Increases Your Risk?

Just like other diseases, certain habits and lifestyle choices can raise your risk of developing oral cancer. These include:

• Using tobacco products

• Drinking alcohol frequently or in excess

• Spending time in the sun without lip protection

• Skipping the HPV vaccine

• Poor oral hygiene habits

• Infrequent dental visits

• A family history of cancer

The good news? Many of these risk factors can be reduced with healthy choices and regular dental care!

How Your Dentist Helps

Your dentist is your first line of defense when it comes to catching oral cancer early. During your routine checkups, we perform a quick and painless screening by examining the soft tissues of your mouth, tongue, and throat.

These screenings help us spot any unusual changes early — often before you even notice them yourself — which makes treatment much more effective.

Take Charge of Your Oral Health

Here are a few simple steps to help protect yourself:

• Visit your dentist regularly for exams and oral cancer screenings

• Avoid tobacco and limit alcohol use

• Practice good oral hygiene and eat a balanced diet

• Stay aware — if something doesn’t look or feel right, get it checked out

Your oral health is a big part of your overall health. Staying proactive and seeing your dentist regularly can make all the difference!

Schedule Your Oral Cancer Screening Today

At Belgrade Family Dental, we’re dedicated to helping our patients stay healthy from smile to soul. Our team provides gentle, thorough oral cancer screenings at every checkup to ensure your peace of mind and long-term health.

🦷 Call us today or schedule your next appointment online — early detection saves lives, and your smile deserves the best care!